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Retinal Detachment is a disorder of the Eyewhere the retina is pulled away from the tissue that supports it. Initially, but not always, the progression starts from a small tear and if not treated, can progressively worsen.

Without treatment, vision loss and blindness are possible.

This is considered a medical emergency!!!

What is the Retina?

This is a thin layer of tissue on the back wall of the eye. It is light sensitive. The eye itself focuses light – which is than transferred to the retina.

From the retina – the light is transformed into neural impulses that travel to the brain via the opitc nerve.

Diagnosis

– Immediately eye evaluation is necessary.
– Use of fundus photography
– Use of Ophthalmography

Treatment

1.) Cryotherapy

– Freezing of the wall or area of retinal detachment – this helps prevent further tearing of the retinal.

2.) Laser Photocoagulation

– Use of laser is similar to freezing. Done at the wall or area of retinal detachment – this helps prevent further tearing of the retinal.

3.) Surgery to perform a Scleral Buckle

– A silicone band is placed on the sclera.
– This pushes the wall of the eye inward.
– Reduces the flow of fluid through the Vitreous
– This allows the retina to re-attach.

4.) Surgery to form Pneumatic Retinopexy

– A gas bubble is injected into eye
– Laser or Freezing is then used to the retinal hole.
– Head is tilted for up to several days to keep gas bubble in contact with the hole.
– Sealing of the hole will take place
– If hole is in the lower part of the eye – this option is not available.

5.) Vitrectomy

– Increasingly used
– Vitreous gel is removed and filled with silicon oil.